Fabric conveyor for use in conjunction with electrifier cylinders

ABSTRACT

A fabric transport carriage is used which permits rotation of the axis of a feeder roll substantially about the fixed axis of a delivery roll. The rolls are unconnected by the conventional apron conveyor and the fabric bears directly on the surface thereof.

United States Patent Inventor Heinz Hergert Frankfurt am Main, Germany 867.253

Oct. 17, 1969 June 22. 1971 Polrotor Inc.

East Farmingdale. NY.

Appl. No Filed Patented Assignec FABRIC CONVEYOR FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRIFIER CYLINDERS 10 Claims, 10 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl 226/180,

226/183 Int. Cl B65h 17/20 Field oISearch .f. 226/183,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/1932 Rogers 226/183 8/1941 Buhrendorf... 226/183 X 3/1950 Tinkham 226/183 FOREIGN PATENTS 5/1935 France 226/180 Primary Examiner-Allen N. Knowles Attorneys-Robert R. Strack and James A. Eisenman ABSTRACT: A fabric transport carriage is used which permits rotation of the axis of a feeder roll substantially about the fixed axis of a delivery roll. The rolls are unconnected by the conventional apron conveyor and the fabric bears directly on the surface thereof.

PATENIED JUN22 I97! INVENTOR HEINZ HERGERT ATTORNE Y5 FABRIC CONVEYOR FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH ELECTRIFIER CYLINDERS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention is concerned with the processing of pile fabrics; more particularly, it relates to a fabric conveyance system operable in conjunction with an electrifier unit.

2. Description of the Prior Art The treatment of pile fabrics by large electrifier cylinders is now common practice in the field. It is known that the process of electrification results in a decrimping and straightening out of the individual fibers of a pile fabric and permits the creation of a lustrous uniform pile surface having a soft, silky hand. A number of factors have been found to be of importance in the quality of the finished product, including the temperature of the electrifier cylinder, the pressure of the fabric against the cylinder, the speed of the fabric relative to the cylinder surface, the cylinder speed, the fiber content of the fabric, the depth and spacing of the grooves on the cylinder, and the amount of surface contact between the fabric and the cylinder. In fact, the importance of each of these factors has led to the use of separate cylinders for different fabrics and the provision of adjustable controls for cylinder surface temperature and speed. It has been appreciated that different fabrics can be best treated by cylinders of particular diameter, groove configuration, and temperature. Unfortunately, electrifier cylinders are expensive and they must be compatible with other elements in the electrifier unit as well as with other machines on a processing line.

As a heated electrifier cylinder operates upon a fabric, the grooves in the surface thereof perform a number of functions. Thus, these grooves beat the fabric in order to loosen tangled and broken fibers; the vacuum created within the grooves tends to separate loose fibers and to suck up the remaining fibers and render them more erect; and the abrasion of the grooves and cylinder surface against the fiber creates a polishing effect. In addition, the heating of the fibers increases their plasticity and may be useful as an element in effecting a tempering thereof. Quite clearly, the frequency of contact between each fiber with grooves of varying depths and configuration on a selectively heated cylinder can be established optimally for any particular process desired. On the other hand, the expense and critical design features involved in the manufacture of the relatively large electrifier units often make it impractical to provide individual machines in order to obtain optimum results with the wide variety of fabrics and finishes that must be handled by any one plant.

It has now been discovered that not only the structural characteristics of the electrifier cylinder are important, but also the nature and operation of the fabric transport system that presents the fabric to the electrifier cylinder. Existing fabric transport systems utilize an apron conveyor mounted upon rollers having their axes parallel to that of the cylinder. The back of the fabric rests upon the apron and the pile is urged into contact with the cylinder surface in accordance with the relative positions of the cylinder and roller axes. It has become conventional to provide for adjustment of roller position in order to vary the wrap or area of angular contact between the fabric and cylinder surface. Varying the wrap varies the pressure of the fabric against the cylinder, varies the temperature exposure of the fabric and varies the beating effects of the grooves upon the fabric.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a fabric transport arrangement operative in conjunction with an electrifier cylinder; the arrangement employing independent delivery and feeder rollers which do not have an apron conveyor mounted thereon.

In applicants US Pat. No. 3,413,695 it was shown that the manner in which the fabric exits from contact with the electrifier cylinder is also of considerable importance. In order to insure the desirable exiting features described in the aforecited patent, it is necessary to provide for a fixed axis delivery roll. The present invention is designed in part to provide a fixed axis delivery roll while simultaneously yielding numerous further advantages.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved fabric transport arrangement which extends the range and character of pile fabrics that can be effectively processed by any one electrifier cylinder.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved fabric transport arrangement for use in conjunction with electrifier cylinders wherein the delivery roll at the output of the electrifier cylinder is fixedly mounted upon an adjustably positioned axis.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fabric transport arrangement for use in conjunction with .an electrifier cylinder wherein the surface friction between the fabric and the cylinder may be varied.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fabric conveyor arrangement for use in conjunction with an electrifier cylinder wherein the amount of air evacuation from the grooves of the cylinder may be varied.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fabric conveyor arrangement which enables the operator to vary temperature exposure of the fabric, fabric tension, and the beating effects ofthe cylinders upon the fabric.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improved fabric conveyor arrangement which permits variation of the electrostatic loading created by an electrifier cylinder.

From another aspect, it is an object of the invention to provide a fabric transport system which functions with a single cylinder to achieve the results normally obtained only with a variety of electrifier cylinders, each of which exhibits different diameter, length, groove spacing, groove depth, surface temperature and rotating speed. 7

In accordance with a particular embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, there is provided a fabric transport arrangement for conveying elongated pile fabric past an electrifier cylinder, comprising a feeder roll and a delivery roll in direct contact with said pile fabric; said delivery roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder and said feeder roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder; and means for selectively establishing the position of the axis of said feeder roll relative to the axis of the delivery roll and the axis of said electrifier cylinder.

The above objects and additional objects of the invention, and numerous features thereof, will be understood and appreciated from the following description which is taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIGS. l4 are diagrammatic representations of a fabric transport arrangement according to the invention, in juxtaposition with the profile of a typical electrifier cylinder, said representations showing the feeder roll in a variety of positions in order to demonstrate the unique features of the present invention;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are diagrammatic illustrations showing the sectors of movement available with the transport roll mounting arrangement of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating the ability to simulate varying groove depths on an electrifier cylinder by adjustment of the fabric transport system;

FIG. 7 is a detailed end view of a particular embodiment of the invention illustrating the carriage for mounting a feeder roll relative to the delivery roll; and

FIG. 8 is a detailed end view of a particular embodiment of the invention illustrating the mounting of the carriage for movement of its pivotal axis.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT FIG. 1 shows a typical cross section of an electrifier cylinder having four helical grooves 11 in the surface thereof. A fabric 12 with extending pile 13 is presented to the surface of cylinder 10 by feeder roll 22 and the fabric is delivered from the surface by delivery roll 20. Delivery roll is mounted for rotation about an axis 21 that is upstream of the cylinder axis, and feeder roll 22 is mounted for rotation about an axis 23. Both rolls rotate freely about their axes. Tension and drive rolls (not illustrated) are positioned up and downstream of rolls 20 and 22 and would be used in conventional fashion for controlling movement of material 12. Delivery roll 22 is a considerable distance from feeder roll 20 and the position of its axis is rotated substantially about the axis of delivery roll 20 in a clockwise direction so that material 12 has an almost 90 wrap upon cylinder 10. The tension upon fabric 12 may be maintained so that its curvature substantially corresponds with that of the electrifier cylinder. On the other hand, the tension may be reduced to increase fabric oscillation and reduce pressure upon the cylinder.

In order to control the frequency of the beating and the repetition rate with which each groove strikes the fabric 12, it is merely necessary to select the speed of cylinder rotation and the rate of material transport. It will be immediately apparent that a small cylinder will have a greater degree of wrap than a large cylinder for the same spacing between feeder roll 22 and delivery roll 20. The present invention provides for adjusting the separation between the feeder and delivery rolls. This makes it possible to use a small cylinder and yet simulate conditions normally available only with large cylinders.

The diagram of FIG. 2 illustrates fabric-cylinder contact when there is a partial wrap only. One may consider this diagram to represent the condition when the feeder roll 22 is more closely spaced to delivery roll 20 than in FIG. 1, or alternatively, to represent the condition when a electrifier cylinder of greater diameter is used and the spacing between the feeder and delivery rolls is the maximum spacing shown in FIG. 1.

Considering first the instance where the electrifier cylinder 10 is assumed to be of larger diameter than that shown in FIG. 1, it will be seen that the wrap of fabric 12 about the cylindrical surface is relatively slight. In this situation, the surface contact will be similar to that experienced with the smaller cylinder of FIG. 1. The heating and beat frequency will also be similar if the roll temperature and speed are the same. However, it will be appreciated that the even heating and high speed rotation oflarge diameter cylinders is more difficult and expensive than equivalent heating and rotation of small diameter cylinders. Thus, this invention permits the use of smaller diameter cylinders to achieve heating and beating effects that would require larger cylinders if conventional apron conveyors were used.

If the diagram of FIG. 2 is considered to illustrate a cylinder 10 having the same diameter as that in FIG. 1, the closer spacing between rolls 20 and 22 will be apparent. The smaller surface contact between cylinder 10 and pile 13 results in less heating and less beating, even though the beat frequency is maintained. On the other hand, the pile penetration of the cylinder is still substantially the same as in the full wrap" condition. With the adjustable spacing between rollers 20 and 22, it is possible to vary wrap and surface contact over a wide range without changing factors such as pile penetration, fabric tension, andbeat frequency.

The diagram in FIG. 3 shows conditions when feeder roll 22 is brought into its closest proximity to the delivery roll 20 and its axis is rotated counterclockwise in order to afford point contact between fabric 12 and the cylinder surface. Those skilled in the art recognize that in some circumstances this type of point contact fabric finishing has distinct advantages over greater amounts of wrap. In the point contact condition, it is possible to vary the position of feeder roll 22 in order to effect greater or less penetration ofthe pile into the grooves of cylinder 10. Thus, as shown in the sketch of FIG. 6A, one may move feeder roll 22 further counterclockwise and thereby present only the tip of the pile 13 to the cylinder groove 11. Rotation in a clockwise direction effects a forcing of the pile 13 toward the cylinder surface whereby the entire fiber projects into the grooves 11. In one sense, these variations in position of the feeder roll 22 effect a simulation of an clectrifier cylinder having shallow or deep grooves. In the past it was necessary to actually provide a cylinder with the type of grooves and the depth of groove required.

FIG. 4 diagrammatically illustrates a further feature of the invention made possible by the unique fabric transport system. The feeder roll 22 has been extended a maximum distance away from delivery roll 20. Nevertheless, feeder roll 22 is positioned in order to effect only point contact between material 12 and the cylinder 10 surface. Under these conditions, considerable oscillation of the fabric can take place. The amount of oscillation and the standing wave that may be created in the fabric depends both upon the separation of the feeder and delivery rolls and upon the tension applied by the ancillary elements which have not been illustrated. This oscillation and its value in loosening the pile and discharging unattached particles is of considerable importance in certain processing procedures. It is a feature not readily available in apron conveyor systems because the apron is maintained taut at all times and is a backup which tends to dampen vibrations.

FIG. 5A illustrates the range of fabric feed movement made possible by selective positioning of the feeder roll 22. As illustrated, the feeder roll 22 may be rotated clockwise about an axis at or near that of delivery roll 20, in order to effect a full wrap upon cylinder 10 or counterclockwise in order to effect point contact. In addition, the feeder roll 22 may be moved from the loose point contact position illustrated in solid line drawing to the relatively tight point contact position 31 illustrated in dashed outline. Feeder roll 22 may also be translated along dotted line 32 in order to vary the are through which a wrap takes place.

FIG. 58 illustrates the range of fabric feed movement made possible by selective positioning of the delivery roll 20. As illustrated, the delivery roll may be rotated about an axis in order to vary the angle of departure of the fabric from the cylinder surface. The axis of delivery roll 20 may also be positioned away from axis position 40 to any location within the shaded area bounded by dashed lines 41, 42, 43.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 7 which is a detailed end view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The elements shown in this FIGURE have counterparts on the other side of the machine. The delivery roll 20 is mounted for rotation about a fixed axis 21, which in turn may serve as a pivot point for a carriage 25. Of course, carriage 25 may also be mounted to pivot about an independent axis. Carriage 25 is provided with a bearing track 26 over which bearing block 27 moves in a direction radially from axis 21. Block 27 is adjustably positioned by fastening means 28, for example, in any desired location along the carriage 25. Block 27 includes bearing 29 for supporting the axis 23 of the feeder roll 22. Thus, carriage 26 provides the means for supporting feeder roll 22 and also for moving the feeder roll along a radial line from pivot 21. The radial positioning of carriage 25 is controlled by unit 35 having threaded portion 36 and collar 37. Unit 35 is pivot coupled at 38 to a lower extremity of carriage 25 and is pivotally fixed at the other end. As a result of the engagement of collar 37 and threaded portion 36, the carriage 25 can be moved either forward or back from the cylinder surface.

FIG. 8 schematically illustrates the details of the structure for fixedly, yet adjustably, mounting the ends of the delivery roll 20. As shown in FIG. 58, it is desirable to provide for adjustment of the delivery roll axis as well as the feeder roll axis. Two hanger bearings 50 and 55 are used for supporting the delivery roll. Hanger bearings 50 include a track 51 for selectively positioning bearing block 52 in the horizontal position (as depicted in FIG. 8). Hanger bearing 55 is similar to carriage 25 of FIG. 7 and provides for rotation of the axis 21 about a pivot point of the carriage itself.

Particular embodiments of the invention have been described, along with an explanation of the unique results attainable by practicing the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications may be made in the structures of the illustrative embodiments. It is intended to embrace all modifications coming within the spirit and teaching of this invention, within the scope of the following claims.

Whatl claim is;

l. A fabric transport arrangement for conveying elongated pile fabric past an electrifier cylinder, comprising a feeder roll and a delivery roll in direct contact with said fabric; said delivery roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder and said feeder roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder; and means for selectively establishing the position of the axis of said feeder roll relative to said axis of the delivery roll and the axis of said electrifier cylinder.

2. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll along a path having a selected radius from an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.

3. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll along a linear path radially projecting from an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.

4. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll within a locii of points defining a sector of a circle centered on an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.

5. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said feeder roll is supported on a carriage that is pivotally mounted for rotation about said last-mentioned axis.

6. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 5, wherein said carriage comprises means for selectively positioning said feeder roll along a radial line passing through said last-mentioned axis.

7. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said locii of points defines a sector of a circle centered on an axis coincident with the axis of said delivery roll.

8. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said delivery roll is mounted on a fixed axis.

9. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the axis of said delivery roll is mounted on a carriage and is positionable along radial lines projecting from a fixed pivot point for said carriage.

10. A fabric transport arrangement for conveying elongated pile fabric past an electrifier cylinder, comprising a feeder roll and a delivery roll in direct contact with said fabric, first carriage means mounted for rotation about a first axis, means for securely establishing said first carriage means in any desired rotational position, bearing means radially movable on said carriage means and adapted for rigid positioning, said hearing means supporting said feeder roll for rotation, second carriage means mounted for rotation about a second axis, means for securely adjusting said second carriage means in any desired rotational position, and second bearing means radially movable on said second carriage means and adapted for rigid positioning, said second bearing means supporting said delivery roll for rotation. 

1. A fabric transport arrangement for conveying elongated pile fabric past an electrifier cylinder, comprising a feeder roll and a delivery roll in direct contact with said fabric; said delivery roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder and said feeder roll being rotatable about an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder; and means for selectively establishing the position of the axis of said feeder roll relative to said axis of the delivery roll and the axis of said electrifier cylinder.
 2. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll along a path having a selected radius from an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.
 3. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll along a linear path radially projecting from an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.
 4. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said last-mentioned means selectively establishes the position of the axis of said feeder roll within a locii of points defining a sector of a circle centered on an axis parallel to the axis of said electrifier cylinder.
 5. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said feeder roll is supported on a carriage that is pivotally mounted for rotation about said last-mentioned axis.
 6. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 5, wherein said carriage comprises means for selectively positioning said feeder roll along a radial line passing through said last-mentioned axis.
 7. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 4, wherein said locii of points defines a sector of a circle centered on an axis coincident with the axis of said delivery roll.
 8. A fabric transport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said delivery roll is mounted on a fixed axis.
 9. A fabric traNsport arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the axis of said delivery roll is mounted on a carriage and is positionable along radial lines projecting from a fixed pivot point for said carriage.
 10. A fabric transport arrangement for conveying elongated pile fabric past an electrifier cylinder, comprising a feeder roll and a delivery roll in direct contact with said fabric, first carriage means mounted for rotation about a first axis, means for securely establishing said first carriage means in any desired rotational position, bearing means radially movable on said carriage means and adapted for rigid positioning, said bearing means supporting said feeder roll for rotation, second carriage means mounted for rotation about a second axis, means for securely adjusting said second carriage means in any desired rotational position, and second bearing means radially movable on said second carriage means and adapted for rigid positioning, said second bearing means supporting said delivery roll for rotation. 